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2026 Summer Camp Guide Coming Soon!


7 Minutes to a Doctor: Why Bergen County Moms Are Talking About the Emergency Department at Bergen New Bridge Medical Center
Imagine being seen by a doctor in just 7 minutes. When something is wrong with your child or a loved one, those minutes can feel like forever. And in that moment, everything comes down to one urgent question: Where do we go right now? It might be a child struggling to breathe, a sudden fall, a parent with chest pain, or a moment in the middle of the night when something just doesn’t feel right. As moms, we’re used to managing everything—but in these moments, nothing feels in


Why Middle School Matters: Preparing Students for Upper School and Beyond at Saddle River Day School + OPEN HOUSE May 5 + 12
One of the questions parents of middle school students ask most frequently when they consider moving their children to Saddle River Day School is, “When is the optimal time to apply for admission?” Many families believe that their middle schoolers should maybe just wait and apply for admission to the Upper School in the 9th grade. Although 9th grade is the traditional time for students to make that transition, there are a number of reasons why a transfer to Saddle River Day S


5 Things to Know This Limb Loss/Limb Difference Awareness Month by Elena Croy, Writer/Editor + National Down Syndrome Society DS Ambassador and Jamie Scoccimarro
Henry is 8 and enjoys all things Minecraft, Animal Crossing, and Super Mario. When he grows up, Henry wants to be an entrepreneur. It was April of 2017 when I first heard the term “limb difference.” Sure, I’d seen people in movies or occasionally on a family trip with prosthetic limbs, but I never considered what their life experiences might have looked like–to me, they always seemed confident and natural. Actually, the first amputee I ever saw was “the one-armed man” as they


Don’t Let Deer or Mosquitoes Destroy Your Yard This Year—Mosquito Joe Has You Covered
Did You Know Mosquito Joe Also Offers Deer Repellent? From protecting your plants to keeping bugs away, they provide full outdoor protection with: ✔️ Deer repellent ✔️ Mosquito control ✔️ Tick control ✔️ Gnat control ✔️ Home pest defense Their targeted treatments create a protective barrier around your home—so you can enjoy your yard and spend more time with your family! Less stress. Less pests. More time outside. How Mosquito Joe Helps Mosquito Joe of Wayne 973-435-0747 WEB


Vietnamese Spring Rolls by Stacey Antine, MS, RD
This new recipe is a favorite with kids (and parents, too!). It’s super fun to make and delicious to eat, and it’s loaded with good nutrition. High in protein and vitamin A and also a good source of iron, just two Vietnamese Spring Rolls pack a serious nutrition punch. Perfect for lunch, as an afternoon snack or fancy party food! This is a thumbs up winner! Ingredients: ½ pound shrimp, deveined 10 ounces of thin rice noodles 16 rice paper sheets 1 cup mint leaves 2 cups sh


Bergen County Moms Family Fun Guide: April 2026 Activities & Events
Weekend Events April 24 - April 26, 2026 *Please always check event websites or social media for the most up-to-date times and details. J.A. McFaul Environmental Center 📍 Wyckoff, NJ An 81-acre environmental park featuring scenic walking trails, gardens, a duck pond, and wildlife habitats—perfect for a peaceful family outing. Great for birdwatching, nature walks, and outdoor learning. Fri, April 24 – Sun, April 26 • Open daily (weather permitting) Free admission Environmenta


Manymoons: Redefining the Modern Wardrobe
We know that as Bergen County moms, you love the thrill of a great find. You want pieces that look beautiful, feel incredible, and hold up to your busy lives—but you also want to shop in a way that aligns with your values and your budget. That’s exactly why we are here. Born and raised right here in New Jersey, with our office in Ridgewood and our warehouse in Passaic, we are a local company on a massive, global mission: to disrupt the modern retail system. We achieve this by


How to Support Your Student-Athlete’s Mental Health: A Parent’s Guide by Stephen Neer, MS, LPC
A student-athlete’s mental health depends on three interconnected factors: their developmental stage, the emotional environment parents create, and how well the adults in their life respond when things get hard. Understanding all three can make the difference between a young athlete who thrives and one who quietly struggles. Key Takeaways Development drives what your child needs: Kids ages 7–11 need adults who reinforce effort and build self-esteem; teens ages 12–18 need spa


Rainbow Swirly Smoothie by Stacey Antine MS, RDN
The Rainbow Swirly Smoothie was created here at HealthBarn for kids by kids! It’s so easy, refreshing and vitamin-packed that parents love it, too. Blend this yummy smoothie up for breakfast or share it with friends for a high-energy, after-school snack. It’s loaded with vitamin C to help keep your body running strong, it’s a good source of calcium, and it has fiber to keep your digestive system regular. Drink up! Ingredients: 1½ cups frozen strawberries (can substitute froze


Why So Many Women in Bergen County Are Rethinking Their Relationship with Healthcare
By Dr. Karen Hart Since I moved to Harley Street Medical and began scheduling longer visits with patients, I’ve noticed a shift in our conversations. They want to understand their results, not just to be told that everything looks “fine.” They’re thinking about the next decade, not just the visit in front of them. And their trust in the traditional care system — one that feels designed to minimize these conversations and get them out the door — has been evaporating. A growin


Where Curiosity Comes to Life: Hands-On Science in Lower School at Saddle River Day + OPEN HOUSE April 17th
In most elementary schools, the science curriculum is limited to instruction and experiments that can be performed in the students’ primary classroom. The Lower School at Saddle River Day School is not like most elementary schools. One of the great features of the Lower School at Saddle River Day School is a dedicated science classroom and lab, one in which the science teachers have the space and the freedom to devise instructional units and experiments that include scien


Pea Hummus by Stacey Antine, MS, RD
Peas are the first seeds to be planted in the spring season, so we had to celebrate the season with this deliciously fresh Pea Hummus. The splash of orange juice makes it a good source of vitamin C to boost the immune system. This light and refreshing hummus is perfect for dipping or spreading on sandwich bread or wraps. Ingredients: ½ medium fennel bulb, trimmed 1 garlic clove ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped ¼ cup fresh basil, chopped 1½ cups of fresh or frozen sweet green peas


Your Expectations Are Not My Responsibility by Fern Weis, Parent + Family Recovery Coach
OMG, how often have I put others above myself? Let their expectations be my guide? I believe we all struggle with this. You don’t have to jump when others say 'jump'. Yes, you have responsibilities on the job. That's what you're being paid for. But in your family... Are you giving in to your children more than you'd like? More than is good for them or for you? If you have helped create the expectations they have of you, then your responsibility is to alter how you respond. Th


Bergen County Parents, This One’s for You - Meet One Bergen Health: Care That Works as Hard as You Do
If you’re a parent in Bergen County, your calendar probably feels like a competitive sport. Between school drop-offs, sports practices, work meetings, errands, and remembering which form needs to be signed for which child, the days fill up fast. Somewhere in the middle of all that, you’re also supposed to find time to take care of your own health—like scheduling doctor’s appointments you’ve probably been putting off. That’s why we created One Bergen Health . Healthcare That


Wherever You Go, There You Are by Fern Weis, Parent + Family Recovery Coach
"Wherever you go, there you are" is the title of a book by meditation and mindfulness guru Jon Kabat-Zinn. It means that no matter what the circumstances or the environment, you are who you are. You can't leave yourself or your way of seeing life behind. It's spring break, a time for vacations and special activities. (This applies to the holiday season, and any other special occasion, too.) You'd think that when you're away everyone will be on their best behavior and appre


Visit William Lawrence Camp: All Boys. No Electronics. No Video Games.
William Lawrence Camp Have you heard about William Lawrence Camp located in New Hampshire’s lakes region? All boys. No electronics. No video games . William Lawrence is an overnight summer camp for boys in New Hampshire, offering a nature-based program designed to help boys grow beyond the classroom. Each day is filled with adventure, community, and time outdoors, giving campers the confidence, independence, and friendships that define a meaningful summer. T here’s no better


Take Back Your Yard — Save on Mosquito and Tick Control with Mosquito Joe of Wayne
Tired of Mosquitoes and Ticks Taking Over Your Yard? Target mosquitoes and ticks where they live and enjoy your outdoor space again. With Mosquito Joe mosquito and tick control, you can enjoy your pool, patio, and outdoors without the constant swatting and itching. Our services are effective against mosquitoes, ticks, and fleas at every life stage—eggs, larvae, and adults—by creating a protective barrier around your home. How Mosquito Joe Helps Mosquito Joe of Wayne 973-435-0


Psychotherapy vs. Therapy: Understanding the Difference and Finding the Right Care by Dr. Konstantin Lukin, Ph.D.
If you’ve ever searched for mental health support, you’ve probably come across the terms “therapy” and “psychotherapy” used almost interchangeably. It’s easy to assume they mean the same thing — and in many cases, they do. But there are important distinctions worth understanding, especially when you’re making decisions about your own mental health care. Whether you’re exploring options for the first time or looking to better understand your current treatment, this guide break


Mini Coffee Cakes with Flaxseed Walnut Streusel by Stacey Antine, MS, RD
Named Coffee Cake because it is usually served along with the popular breakfast beverage; we’d recommend your kids skipping the coffee part (but mom may need the caffeine boost every now and then!). Our version is made in a mini muffin pan to insure the right portion size. The traditional version is topped with a butter and sugar based crumb topping, but we use flaxseeds and walnuts to get that same flavor with a dose of good-for-you unsaturated fats. Skip the walnuts if all


SPARK Institute at Saddle River Day School: Dynamic Learning for Grades 3-12 Starts April 11
SPARK is a dynamic Saturday learning program designed for students who want more than traditional enrichment. Through hands-on, high-engagement courses in artificial intelligence, cryptocurrency, personal finance, and essential life skills, SPARK offers education you won’t find anywhere else. Classes are taught by expert educators, emphasize real-world application, and are built around exploration, problem-solving, and critical thinking -- not worksheets and homework. Whethe


The High-Performance Home: Why You Need an “Intuitive” Kitchen by Ulrich, Inc.
For homeowners in Bergen County, as everywhere, the kitchen has evolved into a multi-functional hub for work, school, and social life. The trend has shifted away from the industrial “chef’s kitchen” toward layouts that prioritize high-performance functionality while maintaining a warm, uncluttered aesthetic. As design experts, we ensure each space flows in sync with a homeowner’s lifestyle, an experience increasingly supported by thoughtful integration of modern home technolo


10 Signs You Need Therapy: Recognize When to Seek Help with Dr. Konstantin Lukin, Ph.D.
Many people wonder at some point whether what they’re going through is “bad enough” to justify professional support. The truth is, there’s no threshold you have to hit before therapy becomes appropriate. But there are clear signs that talking to a mental health professional could be one of the most important decisions you make. At the Lukin Center for Psychotherapy , Northern New Jersey’s largest psychotherapy practice, we believe that recognizing the signs you need therapy


Together Against Loneliness: Happy World Down Syndrome Day! By Elena Croy, Writer/Editor + National Down Syndrome Society DS Ambassador
I didn’t want a child with Down syndrome. I needed a child with Down syndrome. And now that I have a child with Down syndrome, there will never again be a day without light or edges of my heart not brimming with love. The mom I thought I’d be was one who took my daughter to get our nails done on a regular basis. I thought I’d be sitting in packed auditoriums for her dance recitals and helping her do things I couldn’t, like ice skate or learn a second language. I saw all of


Bergen County Moms Family Fun Guide: March 2026 Activities & Events
Weekend Events Mar 27- Mar 29, 2026 *Check all events for cancellations due to the forecast J.A. McFaul Environmental Center 📍 Wyckoff, NJ An 81-acre environmental park featuring scenic walking trails, gardens, a duck pond, and wildlife habitats—perfect for a peaceful family outing. Great for birdwatching, nature walks, and outdoor learning. Fri, Mar 27 – Sun, Mar 29 • Open daily (weather permitting) Free admission Environmental programs and seasonal events may require regis


Tilapia Fish Sticks by Stacey Antine MS, RDN
Parents are always looking for ways to get their kids to eat more protein. I have found the perfect hands-on recipe solution that kids love while providing them with a lean protein source and healthy fat to boost their brain power — Tilapia Fish Sticks! Remember those frozen fish sticks circa 1975? Well skip the frozen stuff and try these fresh Tilapia Fish Sticks! Your kids will love being part of the process in dipping, coating and baking their “sticks.” You can feel gre


If I Need to Be Right, Then You Have to Be Wrong: How This Mindset Damages Your Relationship with Your Teen by Fern Weis, Parent + Family Recovery Coach
There’s this little thing called the ego. Not so little, really. The ego says, “I’m important. Pay attention to me. I know more than you. I am right. I must be right—or else who am I?” The problem with needing to be right is that it automatically means someone else has to be wrong. And in parent-child relationships, that often means your teen. Remember, there can’t be two winners when one has to come out on top. You know what that feels like in any close relationship—rejecti


Anxious vs Avoidant Attachment: Understanding Your Relationship Patterns by Dr. Konstantin Lukin, Ph.D.
Understanding attachment styles can transform how you navigate relationships, resolve conflicts, and build emotional intimacy. If you’ve ever wondered why certain relationship patterns keep repeating in your life, the answer may lie in your attachment style. Research shows that approximately 50% of adults have secure attachment, while the remaining half experience either anxious or avoidant patterns that can create challenges in romantic relationships, friendships, and even p


The Saddle River Day School Difference: Where Students Transform Research into Real-World Solutions + OPEN HOUSE March 17th & 19th
What is it that makes Saddle River Day School such a unique and special place? Some would say it’s the academic rigor, the engaged, curious students, the dedicated faculty, or the tight-knit community. They would all be correct. But what sets Saddle River Day School apart, our real differentiating factor, is that we have created a curriculum and an environment in which students have the confidence, agency, and tools to take risks, to identify a problem that needs to be solve


You Are the Channel: A Four-Week Practice of Sacred Listening Begins March 17th with Barbara-Anne Prince, Shamanic Practitioner, Psychic, Intuitive, Channeler
You Are the Channel is a four-week experiential course designed to support a grounded, discerning, and embodied relationship with intuitive and channeled guidance. Rather than treating channeling as a performance or special ability, this course approaches it as a practice of sacred listening—one that unfolds through trust, presence, responsibility, and relationship. Participants will explore how guidance arises through the body, emotions, and subtle awareness, and how to dist


5 Tax Changes New Jersey Families Should Understand in 2026 by Tracy Byrnes, CDFA®
If you live in New Jersey, you already know taxes are a big part of the financial conversation. Between property taxes, state income taxes, and saving for retirement or college, many families feel like they’re constantly trying to keep up with changing rules. Well, in 2025, Congress passed the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA), which made many of the 2017 tax cuts permanent while introducing several new deductions and planning changes that begin affecting taxpayers in 2026.


Whole Wheat Irish Soda Bread by Stacey Antine, MS, RDN
Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with this delicious, easy-to-make whole wheat Irish soda bread! We boosted the nutrition of this holiday favorite by using whole wheat flour and adding ground flaxseeds rich in omega3 fatty acids. This yummy bread is a good source of healthy fats for brain power and iron to keep your muscles strong. Enjoy a wedge for snack or afternoon tea. Kids love to eat if plain or topped with their favorite natural fruit spread. Whichever way you like it, we g


Doggie Day Care + Boarding at The Madison Dog Resort & Spa
Looking to Tie One On This St. Patty's Day? Drop them at Doggie Daycare! The Madison Dog Resort & Spa are northern New Jersey’s premier 7200 sq ft cage-free boutique dog resort and spa. They are changing the pet care industry and believe in the quality of care over the quantity of dogs to provide exceptional care with lots of love for your four-legged family members. Their state of the art facility lets your dog get loose, play with new friends and most importantly expend


WOMEN BUSINESS OWNERS 🤩: Get Featured This March on Bergen County Moms Media Group! 🎉
We’re excited to celebrate women in business all month long! 🎉 In honor of International Women’s Day on March 8th and Women’s History Month, Bergen County Moms Media Group will be featuring Women Business Owners across Bergen County throughout the entire month of March. International Women’s Day celebrates the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women worldwide, and we’re proud to spotlight the incredible women building businesses right here in o


Why Your Goal-Setting System Is Failing You (And How to Fix It) by Stephen Neer, MS, LPC
Spring is just around the corner — and with winter sports wrapping up and the warmer months ahead, it’s a season that naturally invites reflection. New beginnings. Fresh starts. A chance to finally make progress on the things that matter most to you. But before you set another goal, it’s worth asking: why do so many goals fail? And more importantly, what can you do differently this time? The answer, in most cases, isn’t a lack of motivation or willpower. It’s a flawed goal-se


Nobody’s Coming to Save You by Fern Weis, Parent + Family Recovery Coach
I n this new year, I want to offer a simple, grounding reminder: Nobody is coming to save you. I know—that can sound harsh. Especially if life has been unfair, painful, or deeply disappointing. In an ideal world, the people who hurt us would make things right. In the real world, that often doesn’t happen. And waiting for it can keep us stuck. Here’s the part that matters most: What others do or don’t do is beyond your control. Your healing is not. Two thousand years ago, the


Handmade Cheesy Ravioli by Stacey Antine MS, RDN
Making fresh pasta with family and friends is one of those kitchen memories you won’t ever forget! In fact, I spent an afternoon in the kitchen with my dad and sisters making fresh ravioli, and alas, another HealthBarn recipe was born! Our Handmade Cheesy Ravioli is the perfect hands-on recipe to get the whole family involved. They are made with semolina flour and fresh herbs for flavor, not to mention a protein packed unique ingredient: tofu in the filling. They are nutrit


Women's Day Concert on Sunday, March 8th
Women's Day Concert on Sunday, March 8th 📍 Venue: Forte Piano Music Company: 159 W State Rt 4, Paramus Join us for an enchanting evening as Nadia Chechet, a distinguished vocalist and Berklee College of Music graduate, performs a special Women’s Day concert. With a career spanning over 25 years, Nadia brings a rich blend of experience and talent to her performances. Her versatile repertoire includes everything from French jazz to contemporary pop, ensuring a delightful music


SHARE THE LOVE Community Diaper Drive for Children's Aid and Family Services
SHARE THE LOVE this February by participating in Children's Aid and Family Services community diaper drive to benefit local families in their Baby Basics program. Baby Basics provides free nutritional formula and diapers for babies, newborn through two years of age, along with a safety net of emotional support and referrals for low-income families in Bergen, Essex and Passaic Counties. DIAPER NEED, the struggle to provide babies with clean, dry diapers, negatively impa


Bergen County Moms Family Fun Guide: February 2026 Activities & Events
Weekend Events Feb 27 - Mar 1, 2026 *Check all events for cancellations due to the forecast J. A. McFaul Environmental Center 📍 Wyckoff, NJ An 81-acre environmental park featuring scenic walking trails, gardens, a duck pond, and wildlife habitats — perfect for a peaceful family nature outing. Kids can explore native plants and animals while enjoying fresh air and open space. A great spot for birdwatching, nature walks, and low-key outdoor learning. Fri, Feb 27 – Sun, Mar 1 •


Dear Caregiver by Elena Croy, Writer/Editor + National Down Syndrome Society DS Ambassador
There is a common phrase in our society that women do “thankless work.” Do we manage most of the thinking and planning around our households? Traditionally. Do we carry heavy burdens? Often. Are our good natures exploited to the benefit of capitalism’s bottom line? (You didn’t hear me say that…) Are we overworked, overtired, and sometimes just over it ? Many of us are. Because caregiving comes naturally to many women, all women are seemingly expected to somehow step up and f


Understanding Childhood Grief: Recognizing the Signs and Offering Support by Karan Kataria, MS
Children don’t always have the words to express grief—but it often reveals itself through their behavior, thoughts, emotions, and bodies. Recognizing these signs is the first step toward offering meaningful support, understanding, and care. The Lukin Center has partnered with Imagine, A Center for Coping with Loss , to help support children and families navigating grief. Together, they aim to bring awareness to the many ways loss can impact young people and to ensure familie


Saddle River Day School Advanced Classwork Opportunities: Personalized Pathways to Academic Excellence
“Individualized instruction” is more than a phrase at Saddle River Day School —it’s a promise brought to life through meaningful, personalized academic pathways. One of the most distinctive ways SRDS fulfills this commitment is by offering students the opportunity to begin Upper School and even college-level coursework while still in Middle School. Students who demonstrate exceptional aptitude in a subject are identified by their teachers and, through a combination of placeme


Turkey Fagioli with Jasmine Rice by Stacey Antine MS, RDN
We deconstructed this classic Italian “pasta fagioli” recipe and transformed it into a wildly popular stew that kids and grown-ups (firefighters, too!) are giving thumbs up! Make a big pot of this hearty meal because your family will happily fill up their thermoses for a tasty and nutritious school lunch! This stew is an excellent source of learn protein, fiber and vitamin A and is a good source of vitamin C, and the mineral iron. Ingredients: 1 lb. lean ground turkey, bro


Toddlers and Teens: Surviving the Chaos with Grace by Fern Weis, Parent + Family Recovery Coach
Living with a teen can be utterly draining. It reminds me of parenting a toddler. You might want to trade them in, but there are no returns, no refunds, no exchanges, all sales are final. What’s a parent to do? Have you noticed the similarities between toddlers and teens? I remember my son as a toddler. He had too much energy, and didn’t like the word ‘no’. His words weren’t always clear , which increased frustration for both us. When he wanted something, he kept going and


Sacred Listening: A Conversation on Discernment & Channeling with Barbara-Anne Prince
If you’re intuitive, spiritually curious, or want a more trustworthy relationship with your inner guidance, this conversation is for you. Join Barbara Prince for an intimate conversation on channeling as a practice rooted in discernment, embodiment, and responsibility. Explore what channeling really is (and isn’t), how intuitive guidance comes through, and why nervous system awareness matters. In this intimate conversation, you will explore: How intuitive and channeled inform


Navigating Your Child’s School Experience with Confidence by Dinah Braude Kremberg, Ph.D.
Many parents find themselves exhausted trying to navigate the school system while advocating for their child’s needs. When something doesn’t feel right—academically, emotionally, or behaviorally—the process of getting answers can quickly become overwhelming. School jargon, meetings, timelines, evaluations, and questions about eligibility often leave families feeling confused, intimidated, and alone. Dr. Dinah Braude Kremberg is a licensed psychologist at Lukin Center for Psyc


Does Character Really Count? By Fern Weis, Parent + Family Recovery Coach
When I was a middle school teacher, “The 6 Pillars of Character” program was launched in schools across the country. There were wall hangings in the lunchroom, poster and creative writing contests, and a few “character ed’ activities sprinkled through the year. The truth is that even with the best of intentions, this was a feel-good, surface-level program. Without daily focus on character at home and school, it wasn’t going to make much of a difference. I admit I’m a bit of s


Valentine's Day Chocolate Truffles by Stacey Antine, MS, RDN
Do you love chocolate truffles but you don’t want the added saturated fat and calories that come along with them? Then, this Valentine's Day recipe is for you. These truffles taste delicious, are simple to make and contain a secret nutritious ingredient (potatoes!). Potatoes contain phytochemicals that protect the immune system. These tasty bites also pack extra heart healthy potassium. Make them with the whole family to have on hand for a healthy treat. Ingredients: 1 pound,


Doggie Day Care at the Madison Dog Resort + Spa
Need Some Alone Time? The Madison Dog Resort & Spa is northern New Jersey’s premier 7200 sq ft cage-free boutique dog resort and spa. They are located in Waldwick, and due to the overwhelming response and demand, they opened more locations in Wayne, Hawthorne, and Brick. They are changing the pet care industry and believe in the quality of care over the quantity of dogs to provide exceptional care with lots of love for your four-legged family members. Their state-of-the


Why Most New Year’s Resolutions Fail — and How to Make 2026 Different + FREE Guide by Karan Kataria, Mental Performance Coach and Social Media Manager
Why do most New Year’s resolutions fail by February? It’s not a lack of willpower — it’s a lack of understanding how behavior change actually works. Most people focus on outcomes (“I want to lose weight”) instead of the specific behaviors required to get there. Effective goal setting for 2026 isn’t about motivation; it’s about aligning with how the brain actually changes habits. Neuroscience research, including work by Elliot T. Berkman, shows the brain is wired for the path

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